Lab Imaging System RFP Number 36C26226R0105.pdf

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

*= Required Field Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

SUBJECT* LAB IMAGING SYSTEM

GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTRACTING OFFICE’S ZIP CODE* 92161

SOLICITATION NUMBER* 36C26226R0105

RESPONSE DATE/TIME/ZONE 07-08-2026 3PM EASTERN TIME, NEW YORK,

USA

ARCHIVE 15 DAYS AFTER THE RESPONSE DATE

RECOVERY ACT FUNDS N

SET-ASIDE

PRODUCT SERVICE CODE* AN15

NAICS CODE* 334516

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS Department of Veterans Affairs

Network Contracting Office 22

VA San Diego Healthcare System

3350 La Jolla Village Drive

San Diego CA 92161

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contracting Officer

Sabrina Schofield sabrina.schofield@va.gov

858-424-1258

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

ADDRESS Department of Veterans Affairs

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System

RESEARCH SERVICE

3601 S. 6th Ave.

Tucson AZ

POSTAL CODE 85723

COUNTRY USA

DESCRIPTION

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Title: Acquisition of Laboratory Imaging System (e.g., Bio Rad ChemiDoc OR EQUAL) RFP Number: 36C26226R0105 Issue Date: 06/16/2026 Proposals Due: 07/08/2026 at 3PM ET Issuing Office: Department of Veterans Affairs – NCO 22 Network Contracting

Laboratory Imaging System for Southern Arizona VA Health Care System – Tucson -

RESEARCH SERVICE

I. Introduction

The Department of Veterans Affairs (Southern Arizona VA Health Care System - Tucson) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors for the supply, delivery, installation, and support of an integrated Imaging System (e.g., Bio Rad ChemiDoc OR EQUAL) to support protein and nucleic acid analysis in a laboratory environment. This acquisition will enable standardization of imaging workflows, improved data quality, and streamlined laboratory operations.

II. Scope of Work

The contractor shall provide an integrated imaging system for laboratory use in accordance with the attached Statement of Work (SOW). The required system shall:

• Support quantitative imaging of both protein and nucleic acid gels, Western blots, and multiplex fluorescence applications

• Consolidate chemiluminescent, colorimetric, and multiplex fluorescence modalities in a single instrument

• Include installation, warranty, user training, and comprehensive technical support

See Statement of Work for detailed technical requirements.

III. Minimum Essential Characteristics

The proposed system must:

• Provide high sensitivity chemiluminescent imaging via low-noise, cooled sensors

• Offer multi-channel fluorescence imaging across visible and near-IR wavelengths

• Accommodate standard electrophoresis gels/blot membranes without external illumination

• Include integrated quantitative analysis software for band/lane analysis, normalization, molecular weight estimation, and export of publication-quality images

• Support total protein normalization or stain-free workflows

• Automate focus, exposure, and channel selection for consistent, high-quality results

• Include on-site installation, system validation, and user training

• Provide at least a one-year manufacturer warranty

IV. Proposal Instructions

1. Submission

• Submit proposals electronically (only) to: sabrina.schofield@va.gov

• Clearly indicate RFP number and project title in the subject line

• Proposals must be received by 07/08/2026.

• All questions must be submitted by 07/06/2026.

2. Proposal Format

Proposals must include:

a. Technical Proposal

• Narrative describing proposed system and how it meets/exceeds all requirements in the

SOW

• Product specification sheets and brochures

• Description of installation, validation, and training program

• Support and warranty details

• Relevant case studies or references for similar installations, preferably within VA or other federal labs

b. Business Proposal

• Detailed, itemized pricing (base system, installation, training, warranty, extended support, options)

• Delivery and installation timeline, including estimated lead time from award

• Contract vehicle information (e.g., GSA/FSS/ECAT number)

• Point of contact, UEI#, CAGE code, business size/status

C. Evaluation Criteria

The Government intends to evaluate proposals and make award using the Best Value Trade-Off process. Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria in descending order of importance:

1. Technical Capability: Degree to which the system meets or exceeds the requirements and characteristics in SOW

2. Past Performance: Quality of performance on similar recent contracts, particularly for Federal or VA clients

3. Delivery & Installation: Ability to deliver, install, validate, and provide training within required timelines

4. Support and Warranty: Scope and responsiveness of warranty and post-installation technical support

5. Price: Overall value and reasonableness of proposed pricing

The contract may be awarded to other than the lowest-priced offer, if determined to provide the best value to the Government.

VI. Statement of Work

See SOW

VII. Terms and Conditions

• This procurement is subject to applicable FAR and VAAR clauses, including but not limited to FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4, 52.212-5, and any other agency-specific clauses.

• No advance payment. All invoicing and payment shall be in accordance with FAR/VAAR and local finance procedures, as stated in the SOW.

• This RFP in no way obligates the Government to award a contract nor to pay any costs incurred in preparing a proposal.

VIII. Point of Contact

Sabrina Schofield – Contracting Officer

Sabrina.schofield@va.gov mailto:Sabrina.schofield@va.gov

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

1. Contract Title

Acquisition of IMAGING SYSTEM

2. Background

The laboratory requires a standardized, high-performance imaging platform to support multiple analytical workflows, including the characterization of proteins and nucleic acids. Current reliance on multiple instruments and external imaging services results in inconsistent data, increased turnaround times, and limited quantitative capabilities.

3. Objective

Obtain an integrated imaging and analysis system for quantitative evaluation of protein and nucleic acid samples (e.g., Western blots, electrophoresis gels, fluorescence-based assays).

The system must:

• Consolidate chemiluminescent, colorimetric, and multiplex fluorescence imaging in one instrument.

• Support protocols including total protein normalization, stain-free detection, high-resolution imaging, and multi-channel fluorescence capture.

• Include integrated, standardized software for acquisition, analysis, documentation, and data management as required by laboratory quality assurance and reproducibility standards.

4. Scope

4.1. Contractor Requirements

The contractor shall provide the Imaging System, including:

• All standard hardware components

• Required software and licenses

• Associated documentation and user manuals

• Initial installation, set-up, and validation testing

• Standard warranty, support information, and user training

4.2. Specific Technical Requirements

The imaging system shall meet or exceed the following minimum essential characteristics:

1. Protein and Nucleic Acid Imaging

• Capable of high-resolution imaging and quantitative analysis of protein/nucleic acid gels and Western blots.

2. High-Sensitivity Chemiluminescence

• Equipped with a low-noise, cooled sensor allowing long integration times and minimal background.

3. Multi-Wavelength Fluorescence

• Supports imaging across visible and near-infrared wavelengths; enables multi-channel detection.

4. Integrated Quantitative Analysis Software

• Software must perform band/lane analysis, molecular weight estimation, background subtraction, normalization, archiving, and export of publication-quality images/data.

5. Multiplex Imaging

• Simultaneous/sequential detection of multiple targets in single samples; no manual repositioning or external optics required.

6. Total Protein Normalization or Stain-Free Imaging

• Supports workflows for quantitative total protein measurement.

7. Standardized, Reproducible Imaging

• Provides automated focus, exposure optimization, and acquisition settings;

ensures user-independent reproducibility.

8. Direct Accommodation

• Accepts standard electrophoresis gels/blot membranes without need for additional equipment.

9. Automated Features

• Offers auto-exposure, autofocus, auto channel selection, and application-specific optimization.

Equipment/Software/License

• No additional equipment or licensing required beyond standard system package.

4.3. Services Not Covered

• Work not specified within this contract is considered out-of-scope and may require separate procurement or contract modification by the Contracting Officer (CO).

5. Security Requirements

The C&A requirements do not apply; no Security Accreditation Package is required.

• Contractor-provided IT devices will not connect to VA internal or trusted networks.

• IT Security certification/accreditation requirements per VA Handbook 6500.6 are not applicable.

6. Data Rights

• The Government shall have unlimited rights to any and all documents/materials produced under this contract, including but not limited to source codes of any software, documents, and data.

• Materials may not be used or sold by the contractor without written consent from the Contracting Officer (CO).

7. Period of Performance

• Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Pacific Time, or as approved by the

COR.

• Access: Contractor must coordinate with the VA COR regarding work sequence and premises access.

• Federal Holidays: No work on specified US Federal Holidays unless approved by the

COR.

• Alternate hours: Allow 5 business days for approval on alternate working hours.

8. Site Regulations

Identification & Check-In

• Contractor staff must check in with VA Police for a visitor badge and be escorted by COR/designate.

Parking

• Contractor is responsible for parking compliance; information available from VA Police/Security.

Smoking

• Strictly prohibited per VHA Directive 1085.

Weapons & Contraband

• Possession prohibited; violators subject to removal and/or prosecution. All containers subject to search.

Safety

• Compliance with all Federal, State, and VA safety/fire codes and standards is mandatory. PPE and safe work practices required at all times.

9. Contractor Personnel

Program Manager

• Contractor shall designate a Program Manager with full authority for contract administration.

Employee Standards

• All personnel must meet or exceed Joint Commission quality standards.

• Government reserves the right to reject any contractor personnel for cause.

10. Contractor Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Maintain all relevant business and professional licenses.

• Provide proof of insurance per legal and FAR standards.

• Contractor is responsible for all personnel actions, injury, or property damage arising from contract execution.

11. Insurance (if applicable)

• Workers’ Compensation and Public Liability Insurance must be maintained per Federal and California law.

• Proof of insurance required within 15 calendar days of notice of award.

12. Invoicing & Payment

• Invoices must reference the contract/Purchase Order numbers, include service description (with dates), unit prices, and totals.

• Payment made in arrears upon satisfactory completion and COR approval of services.

• Overtime/holiday pay is contractor responsibility and not billable.

• No advance payment.

Salient Characteristics: Integrated Gel and Blot Imaging System

The contractor shall provide one (1) factory-new imaging system for protein and nucleic acid gel and blot analysis. The system must meet or exceed the following minimum salient characteristics:

1. Sample Versatility

• Must be capable of imaging and quantitatively analyzing both protein and nucleic acid gels, as well as membrane-based blots (e.g., western, northern, and southern blots).

2. Imaging Modalities

• Must support high-sensitivity detection and quantitative imaging of chemiluminescent signals (for western blot applications).

• Must offer fluorescence imaging across multiple excitation and emission wavelengths, including but not limited to visible and near-infrared spectra.

• Must support imaging of colorimetric signals (e.g., stained gels/blots such as Coomassie, silver, and Ponceau stains).

3. Software Integration

• Must be supplied with integrated image acquisition and analysis software.

• Software must include quantitative image analysis, multiplex analysis capabilities, and data export functions compatible with widely used file formats (e.g., TIFF, JPEG, PNG, CSV).

4. Multiplex and Normalization Support

• Must facilitate multiplex imaging, enabling detection and quantitation of multiple targets within a single sample.

• Must support stain-free detection and/or total protein normalization workflows.

5. Automated and Reproducible Operation

• Must provide automated image acquisition, exposure optimization, and hardware/software settings reproducible across multiple users and sessions.

• System must have the capability for user profiles or preset protocols to standardize imaging conditions.

6. Workflow Compatibility

• Must be compatible with existing laboratory reagents, gels, membranes, and established workflows.

• Must allow imaging of gels and membrane samples without the need for additional standalone equipment or accessories.

7. Equipment Condition

• Supplied system must be factory new (not refurbished, reconditioned, or used).

Note* Equipment offered that does not clearly meet all of the above salient characteristics will not be considered technically acceptable.

Note* The Non-Manufacturer Rule (NMR) in accordance with 13 CFR § 121.406, September 4, 2019 applies to this acquisition. Additionally, as prescribed on 25.1101(a)(1). FAR 52.225-1 Buy American Supplies and FAR 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate applies to this acquisition.

a) For small business set-asides — other than construction or service contracts — the prime contractor that’s supplying products to the government is required to cover at least 50 percent of the cost of manufacturing those products. The non-manufacturer rule is an exception to that requirement. The rule allows a small business to supply products it did not manufacture — as long as those products come from another small business.

b) A manufacturer is defined as a business that, with its own facilities, performs primary activities in transforming inorganic or organic substances, including the assembly of parts and components, into the end product being acquired. In other words, a manufacturer makes or produces products. Businesses may qualify as a non-manufacturer if it meets the following criteria:

Does not exceed 500 employees

Is primarily engaged in the retail or wholesale trade and normally sells the type of products being supplied

Will supply the end products of a small business manufacturer or processor made in the United States, or obtains a waiver of such requirement

See Title 13 Part 121.406 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for detailed information about the non-manufacturer rule.

http://www.sba.gov/partners/contracting-officials/small-business-procurement/set-aside-procurement https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=7780ee089107f59ef3f78b938e2282b7&r=PART&n=13y1.0.1.1.17#se13.1.121_1406

FAR 52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies (Oct 2022)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item—

(1) Means any item of supply (including construction material) that is–

(i) A commercial product (as defined in paragraph (1) of the definition of “commercial product” at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 2.101);

(ii) Sold in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace; and

(iii) Offered to the Government, under a contract or subcontract at any tier, without modification, in the same form in which it is sold in the commercial marketplace; and

(2) Does not include bulk cargo, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 40102(4), such as agricultural products and petroleum products.

Component means an article, material, or supply incorporated directly into an end product.

Cost of components means—

(1) For components purchased by the Contractor, the acquisition cost, including transportation costs to the place of incorporation into the end product (whether or not such costs are paid to a domestic firm), and any applicable duty (whether or not a duty-free entry certificate is issued); or

(2) For components manufactured by the Contractor, all costs associated with the manufacture of the component, including transportation costs as described in paragraph (1) of this definition, plus allocable overhead costs, but excluding profit. Cost of components does not include any costs associated with the manufacture of the end product.

Critical component means a component that is mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States and deemed critical to the U.S. supply chain. The list of critical components is at

FAR 25.105 .

Domestic end product means—

(1) For an end product that does not consist wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both-

(i) An unmanufactured end product mined or produced in the United States;

(ii) An end product manufactured in the United States, if-

(A) The cost of its components mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States exceeds 60 percent of the cost of all its components, except that the percentage will be 65 percent for items delivered in calendar years 2024 through 2028 and 75 percent for items delivered starting in calendar year 2029. Components of foreign origin of the same class or kind as those that the agency determines are not mined, produced, or manufactured in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities of a satisfactory quality are treated as domestic. Components of https://www.acquisition.gov/far/2.101#FAR_2_101 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title46-section40102(4)&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/25.105#FAR_25_105 unknown origin are treated as foreign. Scrap generated, collected, and prepared for processing in the United States is considered domestic; or

(B) The end product is a COTS item; or

(2) For an end product that consists wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both, an end product manufactured in the United States, if the cost of foreign iron and steel constitutes less than 5 percent of the cost of all the components used in the end product.

The cost of foreign iron and steel includes but is not limited to the cost of foreign iron or steel mill products (such as bar, billet, slab, wire, plate, or sheet), castings, or forgings utilized in the manufacture of the end product and a good faith estimate of the cost of all foreign iron or steel components excluding COTS fasteners. Iron or steel components of unknown origin are treated as foreign. If the end product contains multiple components, the cost of all the materials used in such end product is calculated in accordance with the definition of "cost of components".

End product means those articles, materials, and supplies to be acquired under the contract for public use.

Fastener means a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. Examples of fasteners are nuts, bolts, pins, rivets, nails, clips, and screws.

Foreign end product means an end product other than a domestic end product.

Foreign iron and steel means iron or steel products not produced in the United States. Produced in the United States means that all manufacturing processes of the iron or steel must take place in the United States, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, except metallurgical processes involving refinement of steel additives. The origin of the elements of the iron or steel is not relevant to the determination of whether it is domestic or foreign.

Predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both means that the cost of the iron and steel content exceeds 50 percent of the total cost of all its components. The cost of iron and steel is the cost of the iron or steel mill products (such as bar, billet, slab, wire, plate, or sheet), castings, or forgings utilized in the manufacture of the product and a good faith estimate of the cost of iron or steel components excluding COTS fasteners.

Steel means an alloy that includes at least 50 percent iron, between 0.02 and 2 percent carbon, and may include other elements.

United States means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and outlying areas.

(b) 41 U.S.C. chapter 83, Buy American, provides a preference for domestic end products for supplies acquired for use in the United States. In accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1907, the domestic content test of the Buy American statute is waived for an end product that is a COTS item (see 12.505(a)(1)), except that for an end product that consists wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both, the domestic content test is applied only to the iron and steel content of the end product, excluding COTS fasteners.

(c) Offerors may obtain from the Contracting Officer a list of foreign articles that the Contracting Officer will treat as domestic for this contract.

http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title41-chapter83&saved=%7CZ3JhbnVsZWlkOlVTQy1wcmVsaW0tdGl0bGU0MC1jaGFwdGVyMzctZnJvbnQ%3D%7C%7C%7C0%7Cfalse%7Cprelim&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section1907&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/12.505#FAR_12_505

(d) The Contractor shall deliver only domestic end products except to the extent that it specified delivery of foreign end products in the provision of the solicitation entitled "Buy American Certificate."

(End of clause)

FAR 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate (Oct 2022)

(a)(1) The Offeror certifies that each end product, except those listed in paragraph (b) of this provision, is a domestic end product and that each domestic end product listed in paragraph (c) of this provision contains a critical component.

(2) The Offeror shall list as foreign end products those end products manufactured in the United States that do not qualify as domestic end products. For those foreign end products that do not consist wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both, the Offeror shall also indicate whether these foreign end products exceed 55 percent domestic content, except for those that are COTS items. If the percentage of the domestic content is unknown, select “no”.

(3) The Offeror shall separately list the line item numbers of domestic end products that contain a critical component (see FAR 25.105).

(4) The terms “commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item,” “critical component,” "domestic end product," "end product," and "foreign end product" are defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American-Supplies."

(b)Foreign End Products:

(b)[List as necessary]

(c) Domestic end products containing a critical component:

Line Item No. ___

[List as necessary]

(d) The Government will evaluate offers in accordance with the policies and procedures of part 25 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(End of provision)

Line Item No. Country of Origin

Exceeds 55% domestic content

(yes/no) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/25.105#FAR_25_105 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-25#FAR_Part_25